When Mattel and MVC launched the Rise of the Snakemen spin-off comics in coordination with the new line of toys from 2002 - 2004, I was given the opportunity to provide a small, light-hearted contribution to the series that would "cap off" the issue for the reader.

 

I had been posting a strip in the Fan Art section of He-Man.org called "He-Man's Armpit", which took a crude and childish look at He-Man's world. When MVC was approached to create a series of comics based on the newly remade He-Man cartoon for Cartoon Network, my postings on He-Man.org got me noticed.

 

The new addition became known as "Eternian Daze", and was to run indefinitely in in the back of each issue of the ROTSM series. It consisted of a full page comic strip featuring the MOTU characters in more down to earth, comical moments.

 

However, after just two issues, Mattel grumbled to MVC about the strip and had it removed because they didn't "like the treatment of their property". Val Staples, who was heading MVC with Emiliano Santalucia at the time, was as disappointed as I was. He was a champion for the strip getting placed in there, feeling it added to the value of the comic. So, episodes 3 and 4 never saw the light of day.

 

I should mention that my partner in crime for this strip was Devin "Goat Man" Duchscherer who is a fantastic colorist and letterer, and also contributed to the writing.

 

Originally, the third episode was going to take place at a Christmas party, but I was told to change it to a New Year's Party for those who may not celebrate Christmas (seriously, who are these people?).

It was going to feature Man-E-Faces "clown" mode, and Man-At-Arms in a ridiculous "Nutcracker" costume.

the art style really takes me back to when my older brother drew this kind of stuff in his high school days. you guys really put a lot of effort into all of the work!

Benjanime wrote :
the art style really takes me back to when my older brother drew this kind of stuff in his high school days. you guys really put a lot of effort into all of the work!

It usually took 2 to 3 weeks of work to get to the final product. This was because Devin and I were having to work together only through email, and getting things approved with Val on occasion in the same fashion.

To me, it always looked like trash until Devin came in and brought it to life with color. He is really talented.

So funny! These are great. Mattel needs to lighten up alittle.

Gorgeous stuff VM.

Thanks shakin! Much abliged.